What They Do
Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to design equipment and processes for manufacturing products such as gasoline, detergents, and paper.
Duties
Chemical engineers typically do the following:
- Conduct research to develop new and improved manufacturing processes
- Design and plan the layout of equipment
- Establish safety procedures for working with dangerous chemicals
- Conduct tests and monitor production processes
- Troubleshoot problems in manufacturing processes
- Evaluate equipment and processes to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations
- Estimate production costs for management
Chemical engineers work on producing a variety of chemicals and products, such as electronics, food, clothing, and paper. Along with designing and developing manufacturing processes, they ensure the safety of both work environments and consumers.
Chemical engineers commonly use computer-aided design (CAD) software in developing materials and products. Many engineers are generalists whose knowledge is transferable across industries.
Some chemical engineers specialize in a particular process, such as oxidation (a reaction of oxygen with chemicals to make other chemicals), or in developing specific products. Others specialize in a particular field, such as nanomaterials (extremely small substances).
Chemical engineers also may collaborate on research projects in a variety of other fields, including life sciences, biotechnology, and business services.
Work Environment
Chemical engineers held about 21,600 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of chemical engineers were as follows:
| Chemical manufacturing | 28% |
| Engineering services | 11 |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 10 |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 5 |
Chemical engineers typically work in an office setting or in laboratories. They also may visit industrial plants, refineries, and other locations to monitor operations. Chemical engineers also may collaborate with those who design other systems, such as in biotechnology, or work with the technicians and mechanics who put designs into practice.
Injuries and Illnesses
Chemical engineers may be exposed to health or safety hazards when handling certain chemicals and plant equipment. Workers reduce their risk of injury or illness by following safety procedures and wearing protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and hard hats.
Work Schedules
Most chemical engineers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. They may have to work additional hours to meet production targets or to troubleshoot problems with manufacturing processes.
How to Become One
To enter the occupation, chemical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have gained experience in an internship or a cooperative education program.
Pay
The median annual wage for chemical engineers was $121,860 in May 2024.
Job Outlook
Employment of chemical engineers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 1,100 openings for chemical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.